What better time to read this than during Pride Celebration Month?

I absolutely adored this book! From the moment I stumbled upon it, I knew it would be something I would enjoy: Asian fantasy, a Chinese folk tale retelling, and historical fiction – yet I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I anticipated! I must say, it is probably my favourite read so far of 2024.
A great story comes with great characters, and this book absolutely has it all. The main romantic interests, Xian and Zhen, were both so likable, and I also adored Qing – she is the best little sister anyone could possibly wish for. This story was exciting, gripping, emotional, and moving. I was taken on a truly beautiful and enchanting journey, and I was so immersed, I often found myself completely lost in this world.

Sher’s writing flows like liquid silk. I adored her way of storytelling, especially when it came to the heartfelt emotions and intense romantic feelings between Xian and Zhen. I flew through this book, and it was such a joy to read. Not only was it heartwarming and wholesome, it was also full of action and surprises, and it had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the twist and turns, and the elements of Chinese culture were interwoven so beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley and author Sher Lee for the e-ARC, I feel so privileged to be able to experience this beautiful fantasy world in advance, and I am so excited for its official release. This story absolutely has my heart, and if you’re one to enjoy Asian fantasy, myths and legends, romance and LGBTQ themes, I am sure it will have yours too.

P.S. Deng I think I forgive you. Maybe. Maybe not.

Thank you to Netgalley and First Ink for giving me an ARC in return for a honest, fair review.

TLDR: this book destroyed me, ruined me, made me sob my heart out on a crowded train and it's favourite book of the year (so far)

I'm a sucker of Chinese mythos and for queer romance so this was a match made in heaven for me - and god it did not disappoint!

The story follows Xian as he attempts to find a cure for his mother after his first attempt seven years away was thwarted by a white snake - who just happens to be the beautiful, other-wordly Zhen who's now taken human form. The plot is great, both characters have good motivations, and nothing is left unturned. The resolutions has the story wrapped up so neatly, it's honestly quite the feat that I'm in awe of.

But, of course, the characters are perhaps the strongest part and Xian's and Zhen's love story feels real and tender. The supporting cast of Feng and Qing are also real and so vibrant that you can't help but fall in love with them. They enhance an already great plot and that's so refreshing to see!

My only thing I didn't "like" was the writing is plain in areas and doesn't really envoke anything too vivid. In areas, this did annoy me but this book is such a good time that I was eventually able to overlook it and fully immerse myself.

Overall, this book is heart-wrenching and tender in equal measure helped with a sharp plot and sharper characters. I'm so disappointed it's over but I'm so glad I got to take this journey with these characters.

Currently, my best read of 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and to Macmillan Children's Books for approving my request to read an arc of this book.

Fake Dates And Mooncakes was Sher Lee’s debut novel and while I enjoyed that one, I was so excited for Legend Of The White Snake. Being an avid fan of The Untamed and other historical Chinese fantasy shows and books I was sure that this would be right up my street. I read through this book so fast because of the gripping plot and suspense. I needed to know how it would end. My favourite character was Zhen. I wanted to protect him so badly!
All in all this book did not disappoint. The only thing I wished for is more moments between Xian and Zhen because I loved them so much.

CW’s gore, torture, injury detail, blood

3.5 stars rounded up.
This isn't something I would typically pick up but it was put on my radar by a friend and I ended up having a good time. Legend of the White Snake was fun, fast-paced, and very sweet. I'm not at all familiar with the legend this is based on but I've been in the mood for Asian fantasy and really enjoyed the integration of Chinese mythology/culture into the book. I liked the characters, Xian, Zhen, and Qing in particular, but think they would have benefited from more time to sit with events. Because the plot is so fast-paced, we don't always get a sense of what they're feeling, and they end up coming across as shallow at times because of this. On a similar note, I would have enjoyed more exploration of the world/setting, though I understand it's not the main focus of the book.

Thank you NetGalley/First Ink for the ARC.